Exercises propelled and body supporting spring biased platform

ABSTRACT

A machine for exercising the human body muscle system has a platform on which the user rests and which is mounted to swivel about a vertical pivot and at the same time to rock or &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;seesaw&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; about a central horizontal pivot. The swiveling friction is controlled to some extent by bearing collars. The rocking action is resisted by springs. The rocking load may be increased by attaching weights to the platform. A handle-bar support is provided in position to be grasped by a user standing on the platform. Parallel handrails on opposite sides of the platform are adjustable to various positions.

United States Patent Cummins [54] EXERCISES PROPELLED AND BODYSUPPORTING SPRING BIASED PLATFORM Alfred B. Cummins, 401 Miles Road,Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022 Aug. 17, 1970 Inventor:

Filed:

Appl. No.:

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS ll/l922 Smith ,.272/3010/1963 Rouse ..272/30 8/1908 Mayette ..272/33 R l/l925 Hargreaves..272/33 R UX Primary E.raminerRichard C. Pinkham AssistantExaminerWilliam R. Browne Attorney-Baldwin, Egan, Walling & Fetzer I 57] ABSTRACT A machine for exercising the human body muscle system has aplatform on which the user rests and which is mounted to swivel about avertical pivot and at the same time to rock or see-saw about a centralhorizontal pivot. The swiveling friction is controlled to some extent bybearing collars. The rocking action is resisted by springs. The rockingload may be increased by attaching weights to the platform. A handle-barsupport is provided in position to be grasped by a user standing on theplatform. Parallel handrails on opposite sides of the platform areadjustable to various positions.

14 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures Patented May 2, 1972 3,659,844

5 Sheets-Sh. 1

INVENTOR ALFRED B. CUMMINS aifi w, 5

Patented May 2, 1972 3,659,844

3 Sheets-Shoot Z INVENTOR ALFRED B. CUMMINS 6M3 fimn J g EYS EXERCISESPROPELLED AND BODY SUPPORTING SPRING BIASED PLATFORM This inventionrelates to a leg builder and muscle conditioner which may be used tobuild up the entire muscle system of a user, or to rebuild orrehabilitate part of the human muscle system after an operation, aninjury or the like. It is also useful in learning muscle coordination inconnection with dancing, skiing, or other body activities.

An object of the present invention is to provide a maximum range ofdrills for arms, legs and trunk muscles, wherein the muscles are used asa system, in that, when emphasizing rocking or swiveling on the machineof this invention, the other tendency of this invention, swiveling orrocking of the platform, respectively, requires continuous muscularcorrection and control for balanced performance.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercisemachine of the type described which is strong and sturdy, yet simple tobuild and easy to maintain.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from theaccompanying drawings and description and the essential features ofwhich are set forth in the appended claims.

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of thisinventron;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the same taken from the left and towardthe rear of FIG. 1 looking toward the handle-bar support;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the machine; while FIG. 4 is a perspectiveview showing parallel handrail supports,

FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing bar bell attached to parallelhandrails.

As shown in the drawings, this novel exercise machine comprises a baseadapted to rest upon a floor or other supporting surface. This baseincludes a central swivel socket 11 which may be a section of pipe ortubing having a vertically extending central cylindrical bore 1 1a andclosed at the lower end by a floor plate llb. Means is provided forholding this swivel socket in vertical position and is here shown asfour inclined legs 12 rigidly welded to the socket 11 and extendingoutwardly in a plurality of directions to firmly support the machine ona floor or other supporting surface. Preferably, each of these legs 12has at its outer end a plastic shoe 12a to prevent slipping of themachine on the floor surface.

Snugly received in the bore 11a of the swivel socket 11 is a swivel post13 which is adapted to rotate about its vertical axis so as to providethe swiveling action of this machine hereinafter discussed. Rigidlyattached to the upper end of the post 13 is a swivel bracket 14 whichcomprises a central hub 14a which is threaded or welded to the post 13.Extending laterally on opposite sides of the hub are bracket flanges 14bfor a purpose later described. Integral with the bracket 14 are a pairof parallel ears 14c which lie between and inside of a pair of cars 15arigidly secured to the platform 15. A pin 16 passes through the pairs ofears 15a and 14c to provide a horizontal pivot for the platform 15.

Spring means is provided to resist the rocking action of platform 15about its horizontal pivot 16. Preferably this takes the form of springmeans held by the base and engaging the platform radially outwardly oneach side of the pivot 16. A preferred form of this spring meanscomprises two helical springs 17, each of which is held in one of theflanges 14b of the swivel bracket and which has its outer end secured inany suitable manner at 17a to the lower surface of the platform 15. Thedrawing shows the outer ends of the springs bolted to the platform, butother means might be used.

The post 13 is held in its desired vertical position in the bore 11a bymeans of an annular collar 18 which is engaged between the bracket hub14a and the top of the swivel socket 11. In the swiveling action of thismachine which involves rotation or oscillation in a horizontal plane ofthe platform 15 about the vertical post 13, the hub 14a rotates relativeto the collar 18. Here a certain amount of control of the swivelingaction may be provided either by modifying friction surfaces between 14aand 18 under varying friction conditions including lubrication of suchengaging surfaces where the friction would be cut to a minimum.

Means is provided for increasing the load encountered when rocking theplatform 15 about its pivot 16. This is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3wherein a weight 19, such as a bar bell weight, is secured by a bolt 20fastened near the outer end of the platform 15. It will be understoodthat one or more weights may be attached either at the bolt 20 at theright-hand end of FIG. 2 or the bolt 200 at the left-hand end thereof,such weights normally adding l0, 15, 20 pounds, or more to each end ofthe platform, if desired. It will also be recognized that the bolts 20and 20a aid the user in knowing when his foot approaches the outer endof the platform so that he may use that as a stop. It should beunderstood that collar 18 may be of varying heights or a plurality ofcollars may be used at this point to regulate the height of the platform15 above the supporting floor.

In some cases, a supporting stand is necessary to aid the user of thisexercise device. Such a support must be mounted near the base 10 andshould extend to a level to be grasped by the hand of the user standingon the platform 15. The drawings show such a stand 21 having a generallyhorizontal arm 21a rigidly secured, as by welding, near the bottom ofthe swivel socket 11. Where the arm 21a is clear of the outer end ofplatform 15, it turns upwardly at 21b and becomes a generally verticalbar at 21c which preferably has mounted at its upper end a pair ofhandle-bars 22 having a central post 22a which is slidable in the hollowupper end of 210 and may be held in adjusted positions by a set screw23, or in any other suitable manner. It will be understood that thehandle-bars 22 will be adjusted to a height easily grasped by a personstanding on platform 15. The support stand 21 is braced against sidewardsway by two opposed inclined legs 24 rigidly secured to the portion 21 bof the stand and extending down to the floor and preferably providedwith plastic shoes 24a where the floor is engaged. The support stand 21may not be used when one is practicing to maintain his balance duringthe various rocking and swiveling movement which are possible with thismachine which might be the case in training for skiing, gymnastics,dancing and the like. However, the stand 21 is very useful when the useris trying to put heavy strain on his leg, thigh and torso muscles sincethis machine provides the opportunity to place great strain on all ofthese muscles while grasping the handle-bar support 22.

Preferably, a non-skid surface is provided on the upper face of platform15 as indicated at 25. This could be a sheet of rubber, although Iprefer a coating of polyurethane plastic floor enamel in which some sandis embedded.

In the use of this machine, a person stands on the upper surface ofplatform 15 with one leg on each side of the horizontal pivot 16. Theuser normally limbers up or gets the feel of the machine by testing therocking action of the platform about the horizontal pivot 16 therebytilting the platform as shown in the dot-dash line of FIG. 2 whereby theplatfon-n is tilted preferably to a 5 or 10 angle from the horizontalinclined in either direction about the pivot 16 in a see-saw action. Therocking action need not be limited to 10 although this is usuallysufficient to get the maximum use of the machine. The user also becomesadjusted to the push-pull" twist of the platform as the swiveling actiontakes place by the rotation of swivel post 13 in the swivel socket 11.One should recognize that all push-pull twists are threatened by rockingand all rocking action is threatened by swiveling in the direction ofthe arrows shown in FIG. 3. Obviously, the user may subject his bodymuscles to greater tension by grasping the handlebars and pushing therocking and swiveling movement of this machine to the maximum point ofhis muscle resistance.

FIG 4 shows a handrail support for the user of the apparatus of thisinvention. All of the parts of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 performing the samefunctions in FIG. 4 have been given the same reference numerals. Thechange here shown comprises joining the outer ends of the inclined basemembers 12 by frame members 26, thus enclosing a rectangle. At each ofthe corners of the rectangle is mounted a vertical hollow post 27 rigidwith the base. One or two handrails supports 28 is provided in the post27. Preferably two of these supports are provided as shown in FIG. 4 onopposite sides of the exercise apparatus. Each of the supports is ofgenerally inverted U-shape comprising parallel vertical portions 28aconnected across the tops by a horizontal portion 28. Preferably, theportion 28b is offset laterally from the plane of the vertical portions28a by bent portions 28c. This lateral offset is preferably between theorder of about inches to 13 or 14 inches. The vertical portions 280 aretelescoped into the vertical posts 27 and held in adjusted position byset screws 29, or by other suitable means. Thus, it is possible toarrange the two handrails with the offset portions 28b facing towardseach other as shown in full lines in FIG. 4, or alternatively, facingaway from each other as shown in dot-dash lines in FIG. 4. When thehandrails face towards each other, the space between the horizontalportions 28b is sufficient to permit the body of a user to stand betweenthem and preferably between about 18 to 20 inches. The height of thehandrail portions 28!; may be adjusted by using the set screws 29 aswill be apparent. With the handrail portions 28b as shown in full linesin FIG. 4, one has the well-known parallel bar arrangement useful withthe body torso above the base; or the bars may be grasped by a usersitting on platform 15.

FIG. 4 shows a counterweight 19 held in position by bolt 20 aspreviously described but also shows at the opposite end of the platformanother counterweight 19' held in position by the bolt 28a. Some usersdesire a differential between these two weights and in one use of theapparatus by adult football players, one of the weights is 10 pounds andthe other is pounds.

The design of the exercise machine of this invention affords infinitevariety of exercise application by combinations of foot, hand and bodypositions for persons of various sizes, physiques and needs. Theattainable positions are amplified by the controlled rotary and rockingmovement of the machines platform.

Exercise of different muscle groups is accomplished by the variety ofpositions the individual is able to assume, under control, withplacement ofthe feet, the hands and the body.

The handrails 28b with their varies potential positions provide multiplefunctions by providing support for balance and have sufficienthorizontal length for comfortable and varied hand positions to aidexercises. They also provide support for modified chinning (pull-ups),and dipping (push-ups), as well as support for a prosthetic seat-slingand aid, when needed, for situps and body curls. If the individualdesires to use a medium weight bar bell 31 (FIG. 4A), the handrails,when properly fitted with removable bar-holders 32, can hold the bar forsuch exercises as presses and squats, as well as a convenient holdinglocation for changing and adjusting the bar bells weights.

The broad sturdy platform 15 allows a great variety of positions for thefeet and with its pivoting and dipping potential allows variedinvolvement of leg, trunk and shoulder girdle musculature.

The rails on either side near the base of the unit, rigidly connected toposts 27 about 3 inches above the adjacent frame member 26, provide firmpurchase for the feet while the user is seated on the platformperforming sit-ups and body curls and also anchorage stations for theprosthetic seat-sling.

Varieties of trunk, leg, shoulder girdle and hip girdle exercises may bepracticed on this machine for strength, flexibility and muscle toning,as follows:

Basic position: Standing on platform with feet together, hands oppositeon rails near hips. From this position feet may be moved apart orstaggered while hands may be moved forward, backward or staggered atdifferent widths to provide desired musculature involvement. The body,too, may vary from upright to forward or backward positions to aid andamplify exercises.

The platform may be rotated and feet pumped at the same time or inseparate motions during exercises to attain total muscle involvement.The speed of platform rotation as well as the amount and method ofrotation add considerable latitude to the type of exercise desired,ranging from extremely mild to quite vigorous.

Using the platform as a seat with feet under the side rails, controlledextended sit-ups and body curls of a very vigorous or mild nature may beperformed.

Seated on the platform the handrails may be grasped for inclined ormodified pull-ups, and while standing on the platform the handrails maybe grasped for support for performance of modified or inclined clips orpush-ups.

Additional apparatus may be attached to platform 15 for aiding the userto stand, sit or recline in various positions while exercising with thisinvention.

What is claimed is:

1. In a physical exercise machine, a base adapted to rest upon a floor,a swivel socket fixed to said base, a swivel post received in saidsocket, said swivel post being freely rotatable in said socket about thevertical axis of said post, a platform having a single horizontal pivotconnection between its under side and the upper end of said post andnear the center of said platform, said platform having an areasufficient for a person to stand upon and within stepping distance ofsaid floor, and spring means attached to said base and engaging saidplatform radially outwardly from said pivot in position to be stressedby oscillation of said platform about said pivot and normally holdingsaid platform substantially level.

2. A physical exercise machine as defined in claim 1, wherein saidspring means is in two parts respectively located on opposite sides ofsaid pivot connection.

3. A physical exercise machine as defined in claim 1, including a swivelbracket fixed to the upper end of said post, said horizontal pivotconnection of said platform mounted on said bracket, and said springmeans being directly connected to said bracket.

4. A physical exercise machine as defined in claim 3, wherein saidspring means comprises two helical springs connected between saidbracket and points on said platform on opposite sides of said pivotconnection.

5. A physical exercise machine as defined in claim 1, including at leastone quickly removable weight mounted on said platform.

6. A physical exercise machine as defined in claim I, including asupport mounted near said base and extending to a level where it is inposition to be grasped by a hand of a user standing on said platform.

7. A physical exercise machine as defined in claim 6, wherein saidsupport is rigid with said base and terminates in handle-bars at itsupper end, said handle-bars having a heightadjustable connection withsaid support.

8. A physical exercise machine as defined in claim 1, including at leastone handrail support mounted near said base and extending approximatelyto the level of a users hips standing on said platform.

9. A physical exercise machine as defined in claim 8, wherein saidhandrails comprises two handrail supports mounted on said base andspaced at opposite ends of said platform in parallel relationship.

10. A physical exercise machine as defined in claim 9, includingremovable bar holders mounted on said handrails in position to support abar hell.

I]. A physical exercise machine as defined in claim 9, wherein each ofsaid handrails is of generally inverted U-shape and each handrailincludes two vertical portions connected across the tops by a horizontalportion offset laterally from the plane of said vertical portions sothat when said offset portions are turned toward each other a user maystand between them.

12. A physical exercise machine as defined in claim 11, including amounting for said vertical portions permitting said offset portions tobe selectively positioned toward each other and away from each other.

tions.

14. A physical exercise machine as defined in claim 1, including atleast one foot support comprising a horizontal rail mounted on said basea few inches above a floor in position to 13. A physical exercisemachine as defined in claim 12, in- 5 hold beneath it a foot Ofa Personseated on Said Platformeluding means for varying the heights of saidhorizontal por-

1. In a physical exercise machine, a base adapted to rest upon a floor,a swivel socket fixed to said base, a swivel post received in saidsocket, said swivel post being freely rotatable in said socket about thevertical axis of said post, a platform having a single horizontal pivotconnection between its under side and the upper end of said post andnear the center of said platform, said platform having an areasufficient for a person to stand upon and within stepping distance ofsaid floor, and spring means attached to said base and engaging saidplatform radially outwardly from said pivot in position to be stressedby oscillation of said platform about said pivot and normally holdingsAid platform substantially level.
 2. A physical exercise machine asdefined in claim 1, wherein said spring means is in two partsrespectively located on opposite sides of said pivot connection.
 3. Aphysical exercise machine as defined in claim 1, including a swivelbracket fixed to the upper end of said post, said horizontal pivotconnection of said platform mounted on said bracket, and said springmeans being directly connected to said bracket.
 4. A physical exercisemachine as defined in claim 3, wherein said spring means comprises twohelical springs connected between said bracket and points on saidplatform on opposite sides of said pivot connection.
 5. A physicalexercise machine as defined in claim 1, including at least one quicklyremovable weight mounted on said platform.
 6. A physical exercisemachine as defined in claim 1, including a support mounted near saidbase and extending to a level where it is in position to be grasped by ahand of a user standing on said platform.
 7. A physical exercise machineas defined in claim 6, wherein said support is rigid with said base andterminates in handle-bars at its upper end, said handle-bars having aheight-adjustable connection with said support.
 8. A physical exercisemachine as defined in claim 1, including at least one handrail supportmounted near said base and extending approximately to the level of auser''s hips standing on said platform.
 9. A physical exercise machineas defined in claim 8, wherein said handrails comprises two handrailsupports mounted on said base and spaced at opposite ends of saidplatform in parallel relationship.
 10. A physical exercise machine asdefined in claim 9, including removable bar holders mounted on saidhandrails in position to support a bar bell.
 11. A physical exercisemachine as defined in claim 9, wherein each of said handrails is ofgenerally inverted U-shape and each handrail includes two verticalportions connected across the tops by a horizontal portion offsetlaterally from the plane of said vertical portions so that when saidoffset portions are turned toward each other a user may stand betweenthem.
 12. A physical exercise machine as defined in claim 11, includinga mounting for said vertical portions permitting said offset portions tobe selectively positioned toward each other and away from each other.13. A physical exercise machine as defined in claim 12, including meansfor varying the heights of said horizontal portions.
 14. A physicalexercise machine as defined in claim 1, including at least one footsupport comprising a horizontal rail mounted on said base a few inchesabove a floor in position to hold beneath it a foot of a person seatedon said platform.